Many women rely on their physicians to help them assess whether they are at risk for STDs and to provide them with information about testing, treatment and how to protect themselves. To better understand how often they discuss and screen for STDs, including HIV, the Kaiser Family Foundation surveyed 767…

On September 28, 2000, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved mifepristone (RU486), the first dedicated medical abortion pill regimen. Many advocates on both sides of the abortion debate predicted that arrival of this new option would transform the abortion landscape – for women, for doctors, and for politicians. So,…

As the largest source of public funding for contraceptive care in the United States, Medicaid plays a crucial role in financing family planning services and supplies for millions of low-income women across the nation. In the past 15 years, managed care has become the primary way of delivering care to…

Ever seen a condom advertised on TV? Up until a few years ago, the answer was almost always “no.” But condoms and other topics once considered “taboo” are beginning to make an appearance on the small screen. A number of leading broadcast networks, as well as cable channels have in…

This report summarizes the key findings from the largest ever national survey of South African teenagers on their attitudes towards issues such as sex, gender, and substance abuse, as well as their aspirations for the future. This nationally representative random sample of 2,000 South Africans aged 12-17 years shows that…

The January/February, 2001 edition of the Kaiser Family Foundation/HarvardSchool of Public Health, Health News Index includes questions about major health stories covered in the news, including questions about President Bush’s executive order on U.S. funding of international family planning groups. The survey is based on a national random sample of…

Gynecological services are vital for women throughout their lifetimes. Pap smears, breast exams, counseling, and contraceptive care are important preventive services, but women often do not get these at levels recommended by experts. This fact sheet summarizes coverage of gynecological care and contraceptives. It focuses on women’s use of services,…

As part of an on-going public information partnership called SexSmarts, seventeen and the Kaiser Family Foundation conduct nationally-representative surveys of teens 15 to 17 on issues related to their sexual health. This survey examines teens’ knowledge and attitudes about “safer sex” and contraception (November 2000). Summary of Findings (.pdf) Toplines/Survey (.pdf)

The debate over whether women should be able to get “the pill” without a prescription has been going on quietly for years. Now, some women’s health advocates are asking if emergency contraception, birth control that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sex, should be available over-the-counter. The reason? While…